Stayers' or Mares' Hurdle? Peter Fahey has a festival conundrum with Galmoy star

The Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle remains under serious consideration for star mare Royal Kahala, who is second favourite for the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Royal Kahala upset hot favourite Klassical Dream in the Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park last month and the way she finished out her race obviously impressed the sponsors of the Stayers' Hurdle, who make her just 8-1 to beat the boys in the day three feature.

She is, however, 4-1 second favourite with the same firm for the Mares' Hurdle on day one of the festival and Peter Fahey said the final decision on her destination will depend on ground conditions.

Fahey said: "Both races are under serious consideration for her and we will wait until late to make the decision. It will be completely ground dependent. The softer the ground, the better she is."

2022 Cheltenham Festival: big-race entries

The trainer, who has already equalled his best season with 18 winners on the board, added: "The one thing I would say about her Gowran win was that all she did was stay. And, you know what, I would say she would have preferred the ground to be a bit softer there.

"The Mares' Hurdle is obviously in our minds as well. We will discuss it all nearer the time, see what way the ground is going to be, and then make our decision.

"She's come out of Gowran in brilliant form. I've been thrilled with her. I've always loved her and it's great to see her fulfilling her potential but, when you actually look through her form, the only blip she had was at Cheltenham last year when she was lame."

Peter Fahey: trainer is hoping for a repeat with The Big Dog at Punchestown on SundayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Cheltenham is over a month away but, before then, Fahey has his eyes firmly fixed on the weekend feature in Ireland. The Big Dog is bidding for back-to-back wins in the Hollywoodbets Grand National Trial (2.40) at Punchestown on Sunday and top amateur Jamie Codd has been booked.

Fahey said: "It's all systems go for Sunday for The Big Dog. Jamie was down to school him earlier in the week and was very happy.

"It was just one of those things that happened in the Welsh National. The reins came over his head and that was that. The positive was it happened halfway through so he didn't have a hard race and came back in great order.

"We were thinking about running him in the Thyestes but thought it might be best to give him a bit of extra time and wait for this. He seems to be in great shape."

Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (March 15)

Paddy Power: 3 Telmesomethinggirl, 7-2 Concertista, 4 Royal Kahala, 5 Stormy Ireland, 6 Heaven Help Us, 8 Burning Victory, Echoes In Rain, Mrs Milner, 10 bar

Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (March 17)

Paddy Power: 100-30 Flooring Porter, 9-2 Champ, Klassical Dream, Thyme Hill, 6 Paisley Park, 8 Asterion Forlonge, Royal Kahala, Sporting John, 16 bar

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Upping The Ante star Gavin Lynch joins the Racing Post roster for a weekly Saturday column throughout the jumps season. He'll offer a guide to the weekend action, highlight the horses and races to watch and share his punting wisdom. Read it every Saturday in the Racing Post or online from 4pm every Friday, exclusively for Members' Club subscribers. Sign up to Members' Club here for more top jumps season insight.